§ Mr. Chapmanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now consider amending the grading classification of agricultural land.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mrs. Peggy Fenner)I am well aware of my hon. Friend's interest in this issue, but, as we have made clear on a number of occasions, we have no plans to introduce any changes in the numbering of the grades of agricultural land.
§ Mr. ChapmanI know that the National Farmers Union has reservations about the renumbering of agricultural land within the classification system, but will my hon. Friend consider this matter again, if only to emphasise that grade 3A land forms a significant part of all agricultural land, is good agricultural land and is not third rate? Does she agree that it is important to conserve such agricultural land, especially on the urban fringes where it is threatened by development of another sort?
§ Mrs. FennerI agree with my hon. Friend that much grade 3 land is of good quality. I am sure he is aware that because of that consideration the present grade 3 land has been subdivided into grades 3A to 3C. After the review that took place the Government consulted all interested parties to gauge support for the system.